After receiving a facelift in China earlier this year, the BYD Atto 3 is now set to gain a serious mechanical upgrade. You may remember that last month it was reported that this unassuming electric SUV would get a significant bump in performance thanks to the fitment of a motor from the Seal Premium, producing 313 PS (230 kW) and 360 Nm – all to the front wheels, no less.
That report also hinted at a new battery, and now a filing from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed that the car will be fitted with a much more energy-dense 74.88 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, according to Autohome. By contrast, the outgoing Atto 3 has a maximum capacity of 60.48 kWh, so you’re looking at a near 24% increase.
As you can imagine, this has had a big impact on range, which has jumped from 510 km on the long range model to 650 km. This is on China’s incredibly optimistic CLTC cycle, mind, so expect a WLTP range closer to 530 km (the current car does 430 km).
These changes go hand in hand with the implementation of an 800-volt electrical architecture that will see the charging speeds go up from a meagre 88 kW to a much more acceptable 150 kW – the same as the Seal. This has had the added side effect of moving the charging port from the front to the rear fender.
Beyond that, the exterior looks to remain unchanged as previous MIIT filing leaks suggested. This includes sportier front and rear bumpers, new wheels and a new D-pillar chrome strip and quarter windows. The interior with its smoothened dashboard and door panels – expunging the car of much of its muscle-inspired design cues – and larger 8.8-inch digital instrument display should also be carried over.
The revamped powertrain should help the Atto 3 stand out amid some stiff competition from a string of new rivals, including the likes of Geely (Proton), MG, Leapmotor and even GWM. This led to BYD engaging in a price war not only in China, but also in export markets. Hopefully, this upgrade will be offered globally as well, as we’re still waiting on the aforementioned facelift.
GALLERY: 2025 BYD Atto 3 facelift
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